Asbestos is…
Asbestos is a group of six naturally-occurring silicate minerals:
-
- Serpentine (or chrysotile)
- Riebeckite (crocidolite)
- Cummingtonite-Gunerite (amosite)
- Anthophyllite
- Actinolite
- Tremolite.
These minerals have been actively mined for their physical properties such as their resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength; thereby making their applicability widespread throughout various industries such as manufacturing and primarily in building construction for its flame retardant and insulating properties.
A Significant Health Threat
The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses that are strongly associated with exposure to asbestos. Airborne asbestos fibers are a significant health threat because asbestos fibers are microscopic and invisible to the unaided eye.
Lung Cancer Risk
In addition, they have the physical characteristics to bypass the ability of the human lung to filter air contaminants. As a result, exposure to asbestos allow the fibers to reach deep within the lungs, and may irritate and scar lung tissues. Long-term chronic and acute exposure to asbestos fibers may cause respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Asbestos containing materials become a health hazard once they are disturbed. Intact, asbestos fibers imbedded within construction materials and components are inert and do not pose a health hazard; however, once they are disturbed, through physical contact or building renovation and demolition activities, asbestos fibers may be rendered airborne.
How to Remove Asbestos to Avoid Health Hazards
In order to properly and safely remove Asbestos it is imperative to contact an expert.
At Brickley Environmental, we have 30 years’ experience providing environmental remediation services in Southern California, and asbestos abatement has been our primary focus.
All of our managers, supervisors and technicians have been trained and certified in asbestos containment and removal at EPA- and state-approved schools. In addition, our company has one of the best safety records in the industry.
Contact an expert today by calling 1.800.530.3366
About Brickley Environmental
Brickley Environmental creates safe-and-sound schools, homes, and buildings by designing and executing safe, cost-effective containment, abatement and removal solutions. We do it right the first time — making your profits predictable while supporting your ethical standards and reputation for excellence — and have served Southern California for over 30 years.